Kumiko and the Dragon

Lindsay Hasluck's Review 

This is the first book in an expanding series of tales about Kumiko’s adventure with her guardian dragon. Written as an early chapter book reader for primary school age kids, it could just as well serve as a bedtime reader for adults. Based on Japanese cultural storytelling, it presents the Japanese version of dragons and life in Japan in a warm and sensitive manner that’s relatable for kids from anywhere. Briony Stewart, a local Fremantle author, brings to life the Japanese fables of dragons, magic and mystical life drawn from the culture’s ancient traditions, and reset in the here and now.

Kumiko can’t sleep at night because she’s afraid of the dragon at her window. While she finally confronts it to make it disappear, she doesn’t realise that all the girls in her family have a dragon guardian, just like the one in her grandmother’s old bedtime story. Invited by Tomodo the dragon to explore why she is so special, Kumiko flies on its back to mystical settings, only to return before morning to make sure her mother doesn’t get upset. Now, Kumiko loves having a dragon at her window.

This is written in a simple and engaging manner, with lively descriptive language suited to slowly bringing up the level of children’s comprehension and vocabulary in a fun and charming way. One of my favourite dragon tales for young readers, it has believable characters and centred morals around Japanese ideas and beliefs. I really enjoyed reading a dragon tale from outside the Western genre; it opens up a whole new world for dragon-loving kids.

Also available now Kumiko and the Dragon’s Secret and Kumiko and the Shadow Catchers.

Publisher's Review 

Briony Stewart's bestselling Kumiko series has been refreshed with eye-catching cover designs to appeal to a new generation of readers.

The joint winner of Aurealis Awards for Excellence in Australian Speculative Fiction, Children's Division, winner of the Voices on the Coast Writing Competition, and a Notable Book as voted by CBCA Book of the Year Awards for Younger Readers.

Kumiko doesn't like going to bed. She can't sleep. The reason she can't sleep is because a giant dragon sits outside her bedroom window every single night.

One evening, Kumiko plucks up the courage to ask the dragon to leave, not knowing that what she is about to discover is more thrilling than anything she could have ever imagined.

This delightful award-winning story is the first in a trilogy that will take young readers on a soaring dragon adventure.